Located in the central Pacific Ocean, Molokai is an island in Hawaii that is home to a diverse range of bird species. With its lush forests, stunning coastlines, and rugged mountains, Molokai offers the perfect terrain for these feathered creatures to thrive.
The island is known for its endemic bird species, which can only be found in this specific location. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from all over the world travel to Molokai to witness the unique avian life that this island has to offer.
From the soaring frigatebirds to the rare Molokai thrush, Molokai is a birdwatcher's paradise. This article aims to explore the birdlife in Molokai, detailing the various species that call this breathtaking island home.
1. Nene
The Nene is a species of bird endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It was given its name 'nēnē' due to its soft call and in 1957 it even became the official state bird of Hawaii.
This gorgeous goose can be found exclusively in the wild on islands such as Oahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokai and Hawaiʻi.
The Nene has adapted so well to living within these different island environments that they have developed their own distinct subspecies depending on which island they are from.
These birds are an important part of Hawaiian culture, being featured in many stories throughout history where they were often seen as symbols for protection and good luck - making them truly special creatures indeed.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Branta |
| Species | B. sandvicensis |
Also Featured In: Most Common United States Birds, Birds of Kauai, Hawaii
2. Red-crested cardinal
The Red-crested Cardinal is a brightly colored songbird belonging to the family of tanagers. It has a vibrant red crest and its name comes from the Tupí people, which means "small red, yellow, and gray bird".
This species can be found in most parts of South America where it prefers open woodlands or grassy areas near rivers.
Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes some fruit when available. The Red-crested Cardinal is well known for its melodious songs that are used by males to attract mates during breeding season.
These birds form monogamous pairs with both parents helping out with raising their young until they learn how to fly on their own within 21 days after hatching from eggs in nest made up high trees or bushes.
In recent years there have been reports about population decline due loss habitat caused by deforestation as well as illegal hunting for pet trade business so conservation efforts are necessary in order to protect this beautiful species from extinction.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Paroaria |
| Species | P. coronata |
Also Featured In: Most Common Birds In Paraguay, Most Common Oahu Birds
3. Bishop's ʻōʻō
Bishop's ʻōʻō bird, also known as Molokai ʻōʻō or Moho bishopi, was a species of the extinct genus of ʻōʻōs. It was once considered a member of Australo-Pacific honeyeaters.
The species was named after Charles Reed Bishop by Lionel Walter Rothschild who founded the Bishop Museum. The bird was discovered by a bird collector named Henry C. Palmer in 1892.
Unfortunately, this species went extinct due to habitat destruction and hunting. It was last recorded in 1985 and its distinctive bird song is now lost forever. Bishop's ʻōʻō was a small, black bird with yellow feathers and a curved beak.
Its unique features included a white plume on the forehead, a yellow tuft under each wing, and white feathers on the rump. It was once a common species on the island of Molokai in Hawaii before its sad disappearance.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | †Mohoidae |
| Genus | †Moho |
| Species | †M. bishopi |
4. Paroreomyza
Paroreomyza is a unique genus of Hawaiian honeycreeper. These birds have adapted to the ecosystem of Hawaii and are found only in this region. They belong to the Carduelinae subfamily in the Fringillidae family.
Paroreomyza is considered to be one of the most primitive genera of Hawaiian honeycreeper birds still in existence.
They are second only to Oreomystis, and the most basal genus of Hawaiian honeycreeper is the extinct poʻouli.
These birds have a unique place in the ecological system of Hawaii and have developed various adaptations to survive in this region.
With their unique features and adaptations to the environment, Paroreomyza is a fascinating species of Hawaiian bird that plays an important role in the ecology of their region.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Paroreomyza Perkins, 1901 |
Also Featured In: Birds that Found in Maui,
5. Maui Nui large-billed moa-nalo
The Maui Nui large-billed moa-nalo was a species of flightless bird that evolved in the Hawaiian Islands. This extinct bird belonged to the genus Thambetochen and was one of the two species of moa-nalo.
The Maui Nui moa-nalo had a large bill and was similar in appearance to a goose. It was discovered from subfossil remains collected from the island of Maui.
The moa-nalo were known for their adaptive radiation and diverse evolution in a closed island ecosystem.
Unfortunate human activity, such as hunting and habitat destruction, led to the extinction of the Maui Nui large-billed moa-nalo and other moa-nalo species.
The loss of these unique birds highlights the importance of conservation efforts and understanding the impacts of human activity on the environment.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | †Thambetochen |
| Species | †T. chauliodous |
6. Kākāwahie
The Kākāwahie bird, also known as the Molokaʻi creeper, was a species of Hawaiian honeycreeper that was last seen on the island of Molokaʻi in Hawaii. The bird was characterized by its red feathers, particularly on males which were almost entirely crimson.
Females had a more brownish belly. The bird was 5.5 inches long and had a distinctive chip-like call. Tragically, the Kākāwahie is now extinct. Its striking appearance and unique call make it a notable loss to the bird species of Hawaii and the world.
Efforts are being made to preserve other endangered bird species in the area, so that they may be saved from the same fate as the Kākāwahie.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Subfamily | Carduelinae |
| Genus | Paroreomyza |
| Species | †P. flammea |
7. Olomaʻo
The Olomaʻo bird is a small, dark solitaire found exclusively in the Maui, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi regions of the Hawaiian Islands. This bird is listed as critically endangered and may even be extinct.
Another bird, the ʻāmaui, was potentially a subspecies of the Olomaʻo or a separate species altogether, but is now extinct. The Olomaʻo can grow up to 7 inches in length and looks similar in appearance between males and females.
Despite its small stature, the Olomaʻo is a significant part of the Hawaiian ecosystem and its potential loss could have a significant impact.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Myadestes |
| Species | M. lanaiensis |
